Thread: WiMax is Alive and Well in Atlanta

I read on Sprint's site though that it will be unlimited with the option to use 3G where 4G isn't available, but their pricing starts at $79.99

IMHO, the key to any of these data plans is the "unlimited" monthly useage. Most of the competing cellular carrier *must* limit throughput since the core of the network is built for "circuit switched (ie voice)" traffic. Lots of high volume data downloads will choke their core switches. Looks like AT&T is learning this the hard way. On a WiMax network (or any 4G network) the core is all IP (ie routers) and is built to handle large amounts of bursty data. Sprint certaily has the right idea to build a 3G + 4G service offering, especially if it is an unlimited data plan.

Doesn't look like Miami didn't make the cut..... at least not in the released list.

The company plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets and up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2009 include Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2010 include New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Originally Posted by MikeH

IMHO, the key to any of these data plans is the "unlimited" monthly useage. Most of the competing cellular carrier *must* limit throughput since the core of the network is built for "circuit switched (ie voice)" traffic. Lots of high volume data downloads will choke their core switches. Looks like AT&T is learning this the hard way. On a WiMax network (or any 4G network) the core is all IP (ie routers) and is built to handle large amounts of bursty data. Sprint certaily has the right idea to build a 3G + 4G service offering, especially if it is an unlimited data plan.

Doesn't look like Miami didn't make the cut..... at least not in the released list.

Well Sprint does have a limit on the 3G, but what I like about Sprint is that they dont ever charge for overage, nor do they complain. Im actually at the point that I dont mind the waiting game. I want my connection to be solid. Although Sprint is fast with the EVDO Rev A, with things like Sling Box, which is a key feature for me, it just stutters more then id like, also the sound and picture quality has to be lowered.

Unfortunately, it appears Clear has discontinued the "No contract" plans,

Not sure who told you this, but I talked with the guys in the new Clear store on Peachtree @ 7th and they are still offering the "No Contract plan" for residential plans. FYI...

I've been using this in the Atlanta area for about a month now. The speeds are great and my main use is streaming internet radio. But I've noticed a couple of annoying things:

1) I would love for this thing to connect to the network without any user input (ie. having to hit that Connect button on startup) - if anyone knows a way to do this, please tell me!

2) When I'm connected, sometimes I don't reconnect automatically when I hit a dead pocket in the network. It's 50/50 on whether it reconnects or not. I have to minimize RoadRunner and rehit the Connect button - not fun while you're driving 80mph on 285 lol. If I could get #1 working then this wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue.

I've had exactly the same experience. I haven't found a way to fix this either. Looks like the app will need to be modified/imporved for mobile users.

Im not sure how it works, since $h!++y Miami is always the last to get new things like this. For 3G, there is a option in the settings called RIS (which is were you have to hit connect all the time) and another called NDIS (where as soon as the PC is on, it automatically dials and connects and stays connected). I am not sure if there is a RIS, and NDIS feature on the Wi-Max though. There has to be, I cant image them coming out with something new and faster and then taking away an important feature.

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I think there IS a way for you to automatically connect. I'm not sure if it's available in older Clear Connection Manager versions, but right click on the System Tray Icon and select Preferences --> Profiles. Edit the 'Clear' profile and change the connection option to 'Automatic'.

I just signed up and haven't tested this out yet (I work Mon-Fri in Chicago) but initial testing looked good. Let me know!

PS. Crossing my fingers that Clear launches soon up here...

Edit - I'm using Clear Connection Manager version 1.01.0054.0

Originally Posted by atlharry

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I think there IS a way for you to automatically connect. I'm not sure if it's available in older Clear Connection Manager versions, but right click on the System Tray Icon and select Preferences --> Profiles. Edit the 'Clear' profile and change the connection option to 'Automatic'.

I just signed up and haven't tested this out yet (I work Mon-Fri in Chicago) but initial testing looked good. Let me know!

PS. Crossing my fingers that Clear launches soon up here...

Edit - I'm using Clear Connection Manager version 1.01.0054.0

I was using that version as well, but all that does is auto launch the Connection Manager - you still had to hit the Connect button to actually connect to it.

However, I just got the latest version of the Clear software (I think its 1.04.xxx) - anyways I downloaded it a few days ago, installed it, and this one actually does Auto-connect you to the network without any user input (as long as you have the option set).